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Queenora
Just Said Yes March 2009

Morning Wedding

Queenora, on December 15, 2008 at 11:57 PM Posted in Planning 0 20

I was wondering about your thoughts on having a morning wedding. I was thinking about 10, maybe 10:30 in the morning followed by either brunch or a light lunch. There are some that oppose my idea saying that a morning wedding is adding stress but I view it as a way to significantly reduce my costs. In addition, it will give me and my newly husband more time together on our wedding day to enjoy it. Another dilemma with a morning wedding is the decoration because I had a lot of ideas for a candlelit sunset wedding that I don't think would work or have the same effect in a morning wedding. Help please.

20 Comments

Latest activity by Jennifer, on January 31, 2009 at 12:11 PM
  • Laura
    Master May 2009
    Laura ·
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    This is just my opinion, but I think morning weddings are crazy! I can't imagine how early you'd have to get up to make sure you and everything else are ready in time. I do think it would add a lot of stress. There are many other ways to save money, like having your wedding on any day other than saturday or having a trendy cocktail/appetizer reception in the evening as opposed to a full sit down dinner. This way you could still ave the candlight glow you are looking for, plus evening events just feel more formal and grand to me. it's your day and you should have it anyway, at any time you prefer. My preference is to spend the morning being pampered and taking my time getting ready rather then waking up at the crack of dawn to get my hair and makeup done in time and still end up looking tired! Whatever you choose I'm sure it will be beautiful and just the way you want it

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  • jennifer norton
    jennifer norton ·
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    I think it's a great idea, & a little "out of the box". When your guests receive the invitation, they too, will know it's not the average wedding, and will have the rest of the day for their own activities. Depending on your venue, you may not have too much to do on the morning of your wedding, except get dressed. Congratulations!

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  • jessica
    VIP May 2008
    jessica ·
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    I think its alittle crazy too i've never heard of such a thing. But if you like being the one that thinks outside the box and does things that no one else has done before then do it

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  • K
    Just Said Yes June 2009
    kep10 ·
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    I think its a great idea, in fact I'm planning an 11am wedding. It will save money on food and you get to enjoy the rest of you wedding day. Also you can have your reception somewhere like outside or in a room that has alot of windows with a nice view. The downside is having to get up early to get hair/makeup done but if your an early bird anyways it doesnt matter.

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  • Candace523
    Dedicated May 2009
    Candace523 ·
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    A morning wedding has its ups & downs....Me, personally, its not for me...I wouldnt say it is crazy though. Yes it gives you more time together as a couple, but on the other side, it builds anticipation. Having a morning ceremony can add stress to you as you try to get ready. Another debate...having a wedding in the morning requires guest to wake up early...you need to consider the drive, whether its a hour or two...if they have kids...it could be to much of a "hassle" to some to have to wake up early. however on the other side, they would have the afternoon off as well. You cant please everybody, just do what feels right to you....i agree that there are so many other ways to cut costs... it is true that you may not have the same effect, especially if the service is in a church because of the stain glass windows.....but there are some places you could totally dim the lights for a candle light service

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  • Tracy
    Expert April 2009
    Tracy ·
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    My thoughts are those of other posters.....it is not for me.....i dont know how anyone really could handle having a morning wedding, you would have to be up super early to get ready, and Candace had a lot of good points about the guests, etc. I honestly think it will cause more stress for you.

    You can totally cut costs by doing a cocktail reception

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  • Verona Givens
    Verona Givens ·
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    Congratulations, You can plan a morning wedding that would save money, and it would be just as nice as an evening wedding. Contact "I Do" Creations.com We will be happy to discuss decor plans with you.

    Verona

    "I Do" Creations

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  • I
    Savvy July 2009
    Isabella ·
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    Congratulations for your engagement! I think morning weddings are beautiful but are more crazy...I will suggest a light brunch for the guests and you can use rose petals for the reception this are beautiful and will go perfectly on morning or evening wedding.

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  • Cheryl Daniels
    Cheryl Daniels ·
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    I have covered morning weddings, while they may be stressful for some if well prepared it can be just a beautiful and fun as a wedding held later in the day. The couples that I have done photography for also had chosen to do pictures still at sunset for themselves only still giving them a sunset in pictures. The benefit for them was also that they were already relaxed and did not have to worry about formal picture of themselves after the ceremony and missing some of the reception and they didn't have the pressure of time or anyone else being around but themselves which also allowed them to have some special pictures. I hope this helps you in making a decision.

    Daniels Photography

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  • Christina Martinez
    Christina Martinez ·
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    I personally love the idea of having an intimate gathering in the morning. Starting off the day as newlyweds. I think I would even love to see a Sunrise wedding! That would be romantic. It's your day and I think you should do what feels right for the both of you. It's the beginning of your walk through life together, why not get an early start.

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  • R
    Beginner August 2010
    Rachel ·
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    I'm debating between a morning reception and an evening cocktail reception. I actually love the idea of getting married in the morning! I feel like if I have to whole day before getting married, I'll be a complete bundle of nerves by evening! Plus, a brunch reception just seems like it would be so much fun and enjoyable!

    On the downside, you'll need to set 3 alarm clocks to make sure you don't oversleep! I also have concerns about friends and family coming from 1-2 hours away....And concerns about non-morning people (like my mom!!!) making the ceremony on time.

    In terms of hair and makeup, I would probably go to a makeup counter for a trial run and makeup lesson, and same for my hair, and then do it myself the day of, so that solves problem.

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  • BeckiO
    VIP June 2013
    BeckiO ·
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    I have a friend who had a Morning Wedding and his guest list maybe consisting of 10 guests (including the bridal party and themselves) on the beach. They went to their favorite restaurant at the beach after for Breakfast. Serving Breakfast or Brunch is the least expensive meal of the day which would significantly save you a fortune. Also with Brunches or Breakfast you do not need to serve alcohol. Maybe if you wanted Alcohol served, consider going with Mimosas or Sparkling Cider for your Toast (you can buy bulk packs of Sparkling Cider at Sams for 3 or 4 bottles for the cost of 1 bottle in your local Grocery store). Fruit and Cake for dessert are plentiful and you don't need to offer more than that for dessert. However if you're having your hair done, make sure everyone can be up in time for having their hair done unless you go with something simple your girls can do themselves same with makeup. If you do this though, your guests can easily enjoy the rest of the day on thier own too.

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  • P
    Devoted September 2009
    pianoNYK ·
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    It's kind of funny to me that everyone considers morning weddings "out of the box," since all dozen or so of the weddings I have been to in the last two, three years have been in the morning (and only one reception was in the evening). Personally, I think it's less stressful in the morning b/c then it's over and done with ~ like someone else said, I'd go crazy worrying about every detail all the way all morning (mine's probably going to be at 10, MAYBE 10:30 but probably 10). Maybe you can use some of those candlelit ideas for your rehearsal dinner Smiley smile Good luck!

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  • monarchmom
    Expert September 2008
    monarchmom ·
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    I have been to morning weddings w/ brunch receptions & they were very nice & low key. Some had music but more of a jazzy type thing not dancing & all that. If you aren't into hair & makeup artists I think you'll be fine having a 10 am wedding. I did my own hair & makeup. If you are a laid back kind of couple I think its a great idea.

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  • Cindy Lowe
    Cindy Lowe ·
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    The biggest thing about the morning wedding is having to wake up early for hair and makeup. If you have only one hair and makeup artist, depending on the number of bridesmaids you have, you may have to wake up very early in the morning, like 4 or 5am. If you and your bridesmaids are okay with that, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

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  • T
    Just Said Yes September 2007
    Tracey ·
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    Girl GO FOR IT!!!. I had a morning wedding, not only that but I got married on LABOR DAY MONDAY....my guests had a fabulous time and I got so many compliments. The ceremony was at 11:00am and the reception followed immediately (it was and adult only reception). Remember this, your wedding it about TWO people you and your husband!!!. Morning Weddings are Very Common don't let anyone deter you from that. We had a Bruch Reception. We were married at THE GARDENS AT SUNDAY PARK in Midlothian, Virginia. I had 114 guests; 4 bridesmaids/4 groomsmen and two flower girls. The bar had Mimosas and Mojitos, champagne, soda, coffe and tea, @ $20 per person. For the record to all your negative responses there is such a thing as Sunrise Weddings (6am) WHOA that is a little early!

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  • L
    VIP August 2009
    lauren10 ·
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    My ceremony is planned for 11am, and I didn't even thing twice about it! the venue is on the water and so beautiful, that we'll be able to enjoy the views the entire day, which I love. I'm a morning person though, so maybe that's way i don't see what the issue is!

    Another big benefit to this is that if the guests do want to drive home after the wedding, we are done at 4:30. We're having a party at our cottage that evening for people who want to stay!

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  • Karen Guyt
    Karen Guyt ·
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    Wedding used to be almost exclusively in the morning - Sunday morning as a part or the service (think 4 Weddings & a Funeral - the movie.) That's why there are lovely things like morning suits (grey cutaway jacket, waistcoat & ascot) and fabulous hats.

    Before there was the production of HAVING to get your hair and makeup done, it was not a big deal.

    A brunch or cake and punch reception also tend to be signifigantly cheaper than other types, and you can serve a beautiful champagne punch, lemonade & such beverages that are pretty and less expensive than the evening alternatives.

    If you're a morning person, I think its a great idea!

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  • FutureMrs.T
    Dedicated August 2009
    FutureMrs.T ·
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    I think your morning wedding is a good idea. It's not for me because I'm not a morning person, but it's perfectly fine for others. My brother and his wife just had a 10 am wedding with mass and their reception was at about noon. They served lunch and had dancing, but all of the guest were gone and the clean up was done by 4 pm, so they had the rest of the day and whole evening together. The bridesmaids had to get up about 5 am to get ready, but no one complained. If you want decorating ideas, I could send you some pictures from their wedding.

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  • Jennifer
    Just Said Yes August 2009
    Jennifer ·
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    You and your future husband need to do what is best for you. My fiance just booked a restaurant, Volo for an outdoor wedding. (They will do a brunch by the way.) They have a cute back patio with cabanas and specialize in heavy hors d'oeuvres. We are most likely starting our event at 11:00 with a quick ceremony and heavy appetizer/cocktail reception. The bonus of a brunch or lunch wedding is the required spending amount is half of the cost of an evening event and you do not need to serve a full meal. The decorations will be kept to a minimum because the surroundings are cute to begin with, but I also purchased small hurricane candle holders on ebay and will most likely fill them with fresh flowers or floating candles and flower petals. If you find a spot with a cute atmosphere, you can keep your decorations and costs to a minimum. Good luck with your wedding planning.

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